An undermanned Richmond side easily accounted for GWS at the MCG on Sunday afternoon as they cruised to a 109-73 victory.
While the Tigers were missing the likes of Dustin Martin, Nick Vlaustin, Jack Riewoldt and Dion Prestia – who have 1107 games of experience combined – they were able to control proceedings throughout.
The hallmark of Richmond’s dominant era was their strong system and it ultimately came to the fore on Sunday with those big names out
As GWS barely fired a shot despite their opponent’s significant outs, Adam Cooney couldn’t hold back his displeasure with their “lack of fight” on the big stage.
“It’s a disappointing effort from the Giants, really it is inexcusable,” Cooney said on AFL Nation’s coverage of the clash.
“The amount of talent that Richmond have out, and with some of the stars that are running around out there for the Giants.
“They’ve shown a lack of fight here, it’s been really disappointing if you’re Leon Cameron or a Giants fan.”
As much as the Giants disappointed, Richmond impressed with their control of the game coming about after quarter time.
A blistering second six goal to three second term set up the win for the Tigers as they created a double-digit buffer that was never squandered.
While most of the damage had already been done, the loss of Phil Davis in the third term to a hamstring injury cruelled GWS’ hopes, with Richmond’s ruckmen able to rest forward and wreak havoc inside 50 on smaller defenders.
With the sting out of the game late, Richmond pulled away to extend their lead and ultimately earn a nice percentage boost early in the season.
Damien Hardwick will leave the MCG most impressed with his side’s defence as the likes of Nathan Broad, Jayden Short, Daniel Rioli and Robbie Tarrant restricted the Giants to just 10 goals.
The Tigers will hope to earn their second win of the year in next week’s clash with St Kilda while the winless Giants will go in favourites when they host the Suns in Sydney.
FULL SCORE
Richmond: 1.5, 7.7, 11.9, 16.13. (109)
GWS: 1.2, 4.5, 7.9, 10.13 (73)
GOALS
Richmond: Balta 4, Lynch 3, Bolton 2, Soldo 2, Edwards, Baker, Castagna, Nankervis, Ralphsmith
GWS: Himmelberg 2, Coniglio 2, Taranto 2, Kelly 2, Brander, Bruhn
BEST
Richmond: Jayden Short, Noah Balta, Daniel Rioli, Toby Nankervis, Shai Bolton, Nathan Broad
GWS: Tim Taranto, Isaac Cumming, Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly, Tom Green
INJURIES
Richmond: n/a
GWS: Phil Davis (hamstring)